Associate Director - Delay
Associate Director / Director (Delay & Dispute Resolution) We’re seeking an accomplished Associate Director or Director-level Delay Specialist to join a high-calibre, fast-growing construction consultancy working at the forefront of the UK’s most complex, high-value and technically challenging construction and engineering disputes. This is a senior leadership opportunity within a consultancy that blends the credibility and expertise of a top-tier disputes practice with the personality, agility and close-knit feel of a boutique partnership. As a senior figure in the delay team, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping commissions, leading client relationships, delivering forensic analysis, and supporting the continued growth of an already exceptional practice. Key Responsibilities Lead and oversee forensic delay investigations, preparing robust prospective and retrospective analyses across major construction and engineering projects. Direct the assimilation of technical project records, programmes, contemporaneous evidence and contractual documentation to determine causation, responsibility and entitlement. Produce and quality-assure expert-level reports for use in adjudication, mediation, arbitration and litigation — acting as lead author, senior reviewer, or independent expert depending on experience. Provide strategic guidance on Extension of Time (EOT) claims, delay entitlements, mitigation strategies and commercial implications for employers, main contractors and subcontractors. Act as a senior advisor in live project environments, offering programme support, resequencing guidance, risk identification and delay-avoidance strategies. Manage multiple client commissions simultaneously, ensuring exceptional delivery standards while overseeing and developing team members on each assignment. Build, nurture and expand strong client relationships across the private and public sector — trusted by senior decision-makers for your clarity, independence and commercial insight. Mentor, guide and develop junior and mid-level consultants; actively contributing to the growth of the delay team and the consultancy’s wider technical reputation. Who You Are A highly experienced Quantity Surveyor, Delay Analyst, Planner or Project Controls professional with 10+ years’ experience, including significant senior-level exposure to delay analysis and construction disputes. Proven background preparing reports for dispute resolution (adjudication, litigation, arbitration or expert witness work). Deep understanding of major standard forms — NEC, JCT (plus FIDIC or bespoke contracts as a bonus). Strong legal-contractual knowledge relating to delay, damages, entitlement, causation and contractual obligations. Adept at leading teams, managing complex caseloads and delivering work to a consistently high standard under time-critical conditions. Confident, articulate and compelling — both in written reports and client presentations. Technically grounded, with excellent understanding of construction methodology and the realities of how delays develop on live projects. A natural leader who brings clarity, commercial awareness and strategic thinking to challenging assignments. Why This Role Stands Out Work on the UK’s most complex and high-profile projects From major commercial developments and large-scale residential schemes to heavy infrastructure and specialist engineering projects, you’ll lead commissions where the stakes are significant, the technical detail is intricate, and your work genuinely influences outcomes. A rare blend of top-tier calibre and boutique culture You’ll join a consultancy known for its credibility in expert witness, delay and dispute work — yet without the bureaucracy, rigidity or hierarchy typical of larger practices. Expect: autonomy without isolation trust without micromanagement collaboration without ego Interesting, varied & intellectually challenging work Every commission is different. You might be: leading a forensic delay analysis for a delayed commercial tower preparing expert evidence for a high-value adjudication supporting a live project struggling with sequencing or resource constraints advising a board on strategic delay implications for project recovery Leadership impact & progression As an Associate Director / Director, you’ll influence team strategy, shape technical delivery standards, and help steer the practice’s continued growth. Supportive, expert-led environment You’ll work alongside highly respected Directors who regularly act as expert witnesses and advisors on complex disputes — providing an exceptional environment for continued professional growth. In Return You’ll receive a highly competitive senior-level remuneration package, excellent benefits, genuine flexibility, and the chance to help shape a growing consultancy with an outstanding reputation across the construction disputes sector.
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